The climate in Hawkes Bay, as well as the types of soils here, makes this region really wonderful agriculturally. I mentioned in an earlier post the types of fruit which grow in the region; others are nectarine, cherry, melon and strawberry. Not to mention asparagus, olives, aubergine and honey.

This setting is also wonderfully suited to growing fields of lavender and vines of grapes, and I’ve taken a special interest in these while I have been here.

Lavender is farmed in the region with its flowers dried, and oils distilled, to produce everything from special teas blended with dried fruit; to body lotions, and linen water. The photos here show two varieties of the flower which I came across – the dark purple is called ‘Foveaux Storm’ and the beautiful white, is called ‘Hidcote White’ or ‘Alba.’

There are over 40 vineyards in this small area of New Zealand and it is our most diverse wine-producing region. The types of grape and wine include white varieties such as sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, viognier and chardonnay; and reds such as merlot, syrah and pinot noir. I learnt about these different wines when I took part in a tour of some local vineyards this last week. It was a wonderful, fun and interesting afternoon as I was able to talk with the vintners, taste varieties of wine as well as a platter laden with olives, cheeses, salamis, bread and sun-dried tomatoes – yum!

© Photos by Birgit Whelan Copyright  2008